Blood Magic
The first night Addie returned home to her tenant housing, she waited until she heard her mother fall asleep in the bedroom before crying in the tiny main room. The elves didn't like her, Master Danarius scared her, Mister Dayton thought she was an idiot, and she'd tripped, dropped things, and been a complete mess at the estate.
She sat in the corner next to the small window, drawing her knees to her chest, her shoulders rising and falling with silent sobs. She needed this job. With her father off looking for work further south, she was fortunate to be able to work for Master Danarius. Tevinter was no easy place for poor soporati like Addie and her family. She buried her face in her hands, trying to pull herself together.
It's a job, Addie. Not a popularity contest. Why should you care if all of the elves hate you? Addie wiped her eyes determinedly.
The next day was the same, sniffling miserably after she returned home. Mister Dayton had kicked one of the elves who worked in the stables and Addie had been too shocked to say or do anything. She was ashamed of herself.
By Wednesday, she'd toughened. She was beginning to understand how the estate worked. The elves still were wary of her, but she knew them all by name. Ren liked her, though the boy seemed to like everyone. Mara and Temdran had seemed to become accustomed to her presence well enough as well, though it helped that Temdran was Ren's father. Out of the twenty elves, three were comfortable around her. Addie took it as a small victory. Thursday, Addie walked home in high spirits. The other three children in the estate had cautiously approached her and asked her about the world outside of the estate. She'd told them, and they'd listened with wide eyes, eagerly asking questions once they realized she wouldn't bite them.
It was Friday that she finally went to the estate without dragging her feet. It was the chaotic day that Master Danarius had guests arriving for a great feast. Addie and Mister Dayton were responsible for showing the guests to their rooms and keeping them comfortable, coordinating with the slaves.
She came through the slave's entrance of the estate at sunrise, and the elves were already awake and hurrying about. She tracked down Mister Dayton, only to hear that the guests wouldn't be arriving until after midday.
Addie found Temdran and Ren making beds and fluffing pillows in the guest rooms and began helping them. The father and son were good company. Temdran looked intimidating—broad shoulders, muscular build, and stern face. But when Ren was around, Temdran joked and teased, making Addie laugh.
"There's going to be apple pie?" Ren was asking Addie as the tucked in the sheets of a grand looking bed. "Do you think there'll be leftovers?"
"Ren, don't expect anything," Temdran said gently, looking at Addie apologetically as he stuffed a pillow into an embroidered case.
Addie just winked at Ren. "If there's not, I'll see if I can bake a pie myself. You know my baking isn't quite as good as Mara's, but it's getting there."
Ren clapped enthusiastically as they finished making the bed. "I've never had pie before, but it always smells so good," Ren was practically jumping in excitement as they went to the kitchens, having finished preparing the rooms. "Could you put that cinmon stuff on it?"
"Cinnamon?" Addie asked, and Ren nodded, his head bobbing up and down with so much gusto Addie was worried it would come detached from his neck. "I'll see what I can do."
"You're too kind to the boy, Miss," Temdran said softly as Ren bounded ahead of them. "He'll start to believe…" He cut himself off, his dark eyes suddenly guarded.
Addie had a feeling about what he was going to say next. "There are plenty of humans like me, Temdran," Addie answered with a sad smile. "You just don't seem to have met many in the estate."
Temdran didn't reply, and Addie bit her lip, wondering if she'd said the wrong thing.
"And Miss said she was going to try to bring in pie for us, you hear that?" Ren's high-pitched voice was squawking as Temdran and Addie entered the kitchens.
Addie looked at Temdran and laughed, the boy's father shaking his head tiredly. Addie only had time to have a bit for lunch before she had to return to her duties. Guests were arriving.
Mister Dayton had drilled her about proper etiquette when greeting the important magisters. She knew which room belonged to which name, and which magisters would be best kept apart.
One of the elves had been assigned to help her carry the bags of the magisters. Leto, Addie remembered his name. The elf always looked serious, and always kept a safe distance from her.
She couldn't think of anything to say to him as they waited outside the estate's large front doors, so she busied herself fussing with the sleeves of her dress. She could sense the elf watching her fidget, and felt heat rushing to her cheeks. She was grateful to hear a carriage rolling up, and hurried to greet the magister with a deep bow.
"Greetings, Magister," Addie said, keeping her eyes down as a short man with a thick mustache stepped out of the carriage. Leto moved to collect the man's bags. "I will be showing you to your room today. Might I know your name, so I can accommodate you?" Addie had the lines rehearsed. They sounded too obsequious to her, but she would say them if it would keep her from disrespecting the magisters in some way.
"You don't already know me?" The man questioned her in a disapproving, nasally voice.
Addie raised her eyes briefly, though he was almost a head shorter than her. She was tall among women, but wasn't used to towering over men. She shifted her weight uncomfortably. "Apologies, Magister. I'm new to the estate."
"As if that's some excuse," the man looked at her disdainfully. "I am Magister Trent, girl. It would serve you well to remember it."
Addie nodded, feeling rather humiliated. It didn't help that she could still feel Leto watching her. The elf was probably enjoying her embarrassment, since he seemed to dislike her so much. "I will, Magister Trent. Thank you. Please follow me." Addie led the man to his chambers, Leto depositing the man's bags by the door wordlessly.
"Are they all like that?" Addie asked quietly as they left.
Leto looked at her with wary eyes. "Like what, Miss?" He asked. His voice surprised Addie at its deepness. It might've been the first time she'd actually heard him speak.
"Like…" Addie tugged on the end of her braid. "Self-important?" She suggested the word after looking around her to make sure no one was watching.
Leto gave her a look like she was being preposterous. "Such words would bring you trouble in this estate, Miss." Leto answered her.
Addie flushed, feeling like she was being chastised. "Right." She muttered. "Can't have a conversation about anything around here then." At least with you, Addie added internally.
She and Leto continued the pattern, though Addie was relieved to find that the other magisters seemed to be more pleasant than the first. She was soon rushing around the estate, feeling rather overwhelmed but keeping her wits about her. The guests all gathered in the dining room for the feast, and Addie was then running back and forth between the guests and the kitchens to coordinate the food. Every adult elf was either in the kitchens or serving in the dining room. There were sixteen magisters, not including Master Danarius, and many of them had brought companions with them.
There was a lull between dinner and dessert, one Addie was grateful for. She was in the dining room, waiting for Master Danarius to signal her to bring out the pies. The magisters seemed content in the moment, and Addie finally allowed herself to breathe for what felt like the first time in hours.
"And the new technique leaves no marks on the outside of the body, either." Magister Sera was saying. She had been very polite to Addie earlier in the day, and Addie thought she liked the pretty, petite woman.
"Fascinating," Magister Wayne answered, leaning forward for his wine glass. He drained it and gestured for Temdran to fill it. The elf stepped forward dutifully to pour the red liquid.
"Maybe a demonstration is in order?" Magister Sera asked, and the other magisters around the table nodded. "Danarius, would you be so kind as to let me borrow a subject?"
Master Danarius smiled in a way that Addie could only describe as reptilian. The man seemed so cold. His expressions never changed the look in his eyes. "Of course, my dear."
"Slave," Magister Sera addressed Temdran as he tried to step back. Her voice was light and kind. "Put down the wine craft, and step over here."
Addie felt her eyebrows pull together as she looked at Mister Dayton. His face was blank. What sort of demonstration? Temdran's hands were shaking as he set the wine down on the table and walked to Magister Sera, his lips pressed into a thin line.
Addie's eyes scanned the room. The elves who were serving had frozen in fear. Magister Wayne commented, "A fine specimen. Strong looking," he eyed Temdran. "It would be impressive if this technique works well on him."
Magister Sera gave a tinkling laugh. It would've sounded pleasant to Addie if she hadn't been aware that something was about to go horribly wrong.
"Watch closely, now." Magister Sera said, not bothering to stand, but raising a hand and pointing at Temdran, who stood only a few steps away. Magister Sera took in a deep breath while the rest of the room waited in silence. She snapped, and immediately Temdran dropped to the floor. He grunted at first, then began to writhe. Addie gasped as the magisters on the far side of the table stood to watch Temdran twitch on the floor.
"I can control his level of pain as well," Magister Sera said in her warm voice. Her eyes screwed closed in concentration, and she snapped again. Temdran screamed.
Addie stepped forward, but Mister Dayton grabbed her arm. Temdran's shouts were filling the air, raw and guttural. Addie watched in horror as the magisters began applauding.
"Can you kill someone with that?" Magister Wayne asked with interest, having to speak loudly over Temdran's yelling. Addie felt her fists shake with anger.
Magister Sera opened her mouth to answer, but Addie shook of Mister Dayton's arm and shouted, "EXCUSE ME."
The magisters all looked at her in surprise, and Addie forced herself to look away from Temdran as she lowered her voice slightly. Think, Addie, think. Dammit. You're going to get yourself killed.
"I-I'm sorry to interrupt. But the- the pies will be cold if they're not served soon, Master Danarius." Addie stuttered. Master Danarius caught her eyes and held her breathlessly to the spot.
It appeared that Addie had broken Magister Sera's concentration, as Temdran had stopped screaming, only groaning now. Master Danarius waved his hand casually, "Go then, we wouldn't want to waste dessert now, would we?"
Addie couldn't look around her as she broke eye contact from Master Danarius and took heavy steps toward Temdran. His face was contorted in pain, jaw clenched. Addie stooped next to the elf and took a limp arm, wrapping it around her shoulders.
The magisters had already started talking again, and someone was asking Magister Sera how she'd perfected the technique. Addie tried to heave Temdran to his feet, but she wasn't strong enough, Temdran's weight forcing her back to her knees. She gritted her teeth and tried again as Temdran began coughing, spluttering blood.
Addie felt rage build up inside her chest as she managed to stand, her muscles protesting. Temdran's chest was heaving, a small child-like whimper leaving his lips. Addie didn't look at the magisters or the other elves as she took painful steps toward the kitchens. Temdran kept slipping, and she tried readjusting her grip around his waist. His legs were dragging, not even supporting his own weight.
Angry tears threatened to spill over, but Addie fixed her eyes on the door to the kitchen, and a hand reached out to open it for her. She stumbled in, collapsing onto the floor, Temdran with her.
She heard gasps, but whoever had opened the door closed it quickly now. Addie struggled to her feet, quickly regaining herself. Mara was standing with her hands pressed over her mouth, Indri gaping at them. "Mara, get the pies out now." Addie ordered in a level voice. "Indri, you and Faelan get Tamdren to the corner of the kitchen." Addie's eyes found Desmond, "You fetch a fresh bucket of water, Prena, find some rags." No one moved, and Temdran coughed from the floor. "Now!" Addie added sharply, and the elves immediately sprang into action.
She turned to see Leto standing right behind her. His eyes were hard and disapproving, but Addie found herself not really caring in the moment. "Help Mara with the pies," Addie told him as Indri and Faelan dragged Tamdren out of the way. She addressed the kitchen as a whole, "Everyone is not to stay in the dining room unless you're directly putting something on the table, understand? I'll come and get you if anything is needed." Addie brushed her hair away from her eyes and headed back inside the dining hall. The other elves waiting around the table were practically shaking from nervousness.
"Get back inside the kitchen," Addie told them in a low voice. "Mara needs your help serving the pie." She ignored Mister Dayton's glare from across the room as the elves hurried from the dining hall.
Addie couldn't even hear the conversation the magisters were having, blood rushing to her ears as she watched the events unfold around her. The elves quickly came out with the dessert and left again. Mister Dayton was glowering at Addie furiously as she refilled goblets and waited on the magisters.
Gradually, the magisters left the table, laughing with each other while Addie could only think of Tamdren and wonder if he was conscious… or if he was even alive. Once the magisters had emptied the room, Mister Dayton approached Addie, livid.
"What were you thinking, girl?" Mister Dayton slapped her hard across the face.
She ground her teeth together as she raised her chin to meet Mister Dayton's fury. "How could anyone watch that?" She whispered, though her tone was laced with venom. You need this job. You can't get yourself fired, a little voice in Addie's head reminded her. The voice, however, was quickly silenced by her anger. "Was no one going to stop Magister Sera? Would she have killed Tamdren?"
Another slap across the face answered her, the sound ringing through the now empty dining hall. "That is not your concern. The slaves are property of Master Danarius, and we are his servants. It is not our place to meddle in his affairs."
"It was torture. Murder," Addie found she was now almost pleading with the old man. She'd seen his rudeness toward the elves, but no one could stand by and watch what Magister Sera had done without feeling something.
"It is the choice of Master Danarius to decide what is right and wrong here," Mister Dayton's expression softened ever so slightly, and Addie felt like he might even understand her, deep down. "When I leave to serve in the Kirkwall estate, you will be the head of the slaves, Addie." Mister Dayton rasped, and Addie realized it was one of the first times he'd called her by name instead of 'girl'. "You mustn't get attached to the slaves. It will be harder on you, and all of them, if you do not let Master Danarius do as he wishes."
"But-"
Mister Dayton shook his head, his drooping skin looking gray in the lighting of the dining hall, shadows exaggerating his crooked nose. "There is no room for you to become soft. Master Danarius punishes one slave for a job botched, but he will kill many for insolence. You put yourself in an incredibly dangerous position tonight."
Addie dropped her chin to her chest, trying to control her lips that were twitching with emotion. She didn't respond, and she felt Mister Dayton put a hand on her shoulder. "Go check on the slave, and tell everyone to clean this mess up. I'll attend to Master Danarius."
"Thank you," Addie answered in a small voice. She kept her eyes down as she went back into the kitchens, to find it eerily silent. It was crowded, and Addie's entrance caused the slaves to turn to watch her. "Tamdren?" She asked, dreading the answer.
"Alive. Barely." It was Mara who answered quietly.
Addie nodded. "Those of you who were on serving duty, please go out and collect the dishes. The magisters are all gone now, it should be safe."
There were muted mumbles around her as some of the elves stepped back out to the dining hall, the room suddenly appearing much more spacious. As Leto passed her, he stopped for a moment, eyes on her cheek. She raised her hand to her face and winced at the rawness. She must've still had a mark from where she'd been slapped. Leto nodded to her before leaving, and Addie quickly rubbed her cheek, not wanting anyone else to see that she'd been punished.
She made her way toward the corner of the kitchen, where Temdran was rested on a few sacks of flour, back propped up against the wall. Ren was crying quietly next to his father, sniffling, while Prena wiped Temdran's face with a wet cloth.
Addie cringed at seeing Temdran like this. It reminded her too much of watching the strong mother she knew crumbling away into helpless state. Temdran's eyes were roving under his lids, his breath audibly strained.
Ren noticed Addie and broke into a fresh wave of tears. "Miss, they said it was a magicker. They said it was a lady magicker that hurt Pa. Is he going to be alright?"
Addie crouched down next to the boy who had a runny nose and wet cheeks. "It was a nasty magister, yes. Your father was very brave." Addie ran her hand through Ren's curly hair. "And we're going to do everything we can to make sure that he's alright." Addie told him.
Ren threw his arms around her and buried his face in her side, crying into her dress. Addie felt her lip quiver again and bit down on it. She moved her hand in soothing circles on Ren's back.
The elves were carefully quiet as they washed dishes, and it might have been more than an hour that Addie sat with Ren until he fell asleep on her lap. Temdran's breathing hadn't cleared at all, but he was no longer crying out in pain. Prena was rubbing her eyes tiredly, rag still in hand.
There was suddenly a presence next to Addie, and she looked to see Leto kneeling to her left. "I can take the boy back to his room," Leto muttered.
Addie's legs had gone numb, but she shook her head. "He didn't want to leave Temdran's side." She looked around the kitchen. The elves were still standing together, talking in hushed tones. "Is there still cleaning to do?" Addie asked.
Leto shook his head. "We're waiting." He glanced at Ren and then continued, "Waiting to see if Temdran will make it through the night."
Addie put her hand to her temple, trying to will her headache to go away. "Is there anything we can do?"
"It's blood magic," Leto answered with disgust, though he still kept his voice quiet. "There's nothing anyone can do but to hope for the best."
Addie squeezed her eyes closed for a moment, inhaling deeply. She could hear Temdran's gurgling breathing. There was nothing she could do? No. There had to be something. Anything.
Her eyes flew open, finding Leto still staring at her expressionlessly. "Master Danarius had blood magic. Maybe…" Addie cut herself off as Leto's face hardened.
"Blood magic is not healing magic," Leto hissed, "and even if the Master could help, he would not. Disturbing him now would only lead to someone else getting themselves killed."
Addie shrunk away from the harshness of his tone. She swallowed uncomfortably around the lump in her throat and Ren shifted in his sleep. Addie ran her fingers through his hair again, whispering, "Sleep, sleep."
She was afraid to look at Leto again, but when she did, she saw his eyes were fixed on Ren. "We'll just see if we can make it through the night, then." Addie told Leto softly.
"Miss." Leto said, without truly calling her. But he didn't follow up with anything, leaving nothing but an awkward moment as Addie looked up at him.
"Yes?" Addie asked after he didn't speak.
Leto frowned at her, which seemed to be his common expression when he was in the same room with Addie. "Nothing. Apologies, Miss." He straightened and moved to speak with Nerat, not even sending a backward glance to Addie.
She sighed and leaned her head against the wall, the quiet mumblings of the elves lulling her into a restless sleep.